It is the day of Nick and Amy's fifth anniversary. It is also the day Amy disappears. Left behind - the first cryptic clue in a treasure hunt Amy always sets up for Nick.

The first part of Gone Girl is told in alternating chapters from Nick's present time viewpoint, with flashbacks to memories. Amy's voice is heard from the pages of a diary, starting from seven years ago and building up to the day she disappears. The narratives each tell a completely different story. Who is telling the truth? The second part - well, I'm not going to spoil the plot for you, so I'll stop there.

I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and with Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn has crafted one of the best I've ever read. Really. The plot line is completely unpredictable. It's rare for me to be completely surprised at the direction a book takes, but I was this time. Flynn toys with us in a completely delicious and devious manner. You'll want to read carefully - there are lies, secrets and omissions scattered throughout the book and each revelation ratchets up the stakes just a little higher.

While Gone Girl is a razor edged thriller, Flynn also explores marriage, attraction, family relationships and the media with that same sharp edged eye. Flynn's prose are are arresting, painting vivid images that crackle with intensity.

"....the girl a man like Nick wants: the Cool Girl. Men always say that as the defining compliment, don't they? She's a cool girl. Being the cool girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she's hosting the world's biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want."

This is the first book I've read by Flynn, although I have since picked up her second book Dark Places. I loved the dedication to her husband...."What can I say about a man who knows how I think and still sleeps next to me with the lights off?" You can find Gillian Flynn on Facebook.

The buzz you've been hearing about Gone Girl? All true and more. This is THE book to read this summer. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Just bleary eyed - 'cause you won't be able to put it down!
See what other readers on the TLC tour thought. Full schedule can be found here. Read an excerpt of Gone Girl.

Thanks to the great folks at Crown Publishing, I have a copy to giveaway! But only if you promise not to peek at the ending....Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Simply leave a comment to be entered. Please ensure I have a way to contact you - either through your blog or by leaving an email. Closes July 7/12.

I've read "Sharp Objects" AND "Dark Places" (with the latter being my favorite) from author Gillian Flynn, and I can attest that her writing is absolutely BRILLIANT! I cannot WAIT to read "Gone Girl" - I'm sure it will be an incredibly riveting, and absorbing, read!

Mmm...sounds deliciously intriguing. And yes, the author seems witty, too, with her dedication to her husband. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading books by Flynn, but I trust that will soon change. Thanks for your review.

I love psychological thrillers but I don't read many anymore because I've been so disappointed by some of the books given this description. But thanks to the book blogging community, I've discovered some terrific authors of psychological thrillers I don't want to miss including this book, which is definitely one of them.

I'm really looking forward to Gone Girl, especially after you stated in your review that you're a fan of psychological thrillers and this is one of the best you've read. Wow and Yay! And I don't want to know the ending or much about the book. I just want to read it!

Thank you for offering a giveaway copy. Please include me in your contest.Thank you, Luanne!Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks for the opportunity to obtain this book. I've been toying with either buying this book or getting the audiobook for my commute-I've definitely decided to buy the book! (if I don't win) :)Anjpuente@gmail.com

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FTC Disclaimer:

Unless otherwise indicated, all of the books I review are either purchased by me or borrowed from the library. When a review copy has been received from an author, publisher or company, it is in exchange for a fair review and has no effect on my opinion of the book. There is no monetary compensation for reviews. All reviews are my own personal reaction to and opinion of the book.